MY BACKGROUND

If you’re looking at this website because you would like to commission some writing, but you’re not sure whether I have the right experience for the job, please have a look at the following summary which is based on my CV. Elsewhere on the site, in my portfolio, you will find some examples of my writing. You also have the option of asking me to send you a selection of written materials relevant to your field of interest.

Mark Nicholson Copywriting

September 2012 to the present day

Freelance Copywriter

Mainly writing product literature, web and blog content, feature articles, press releases and promotional emails/letters. Also providing high-quality proofreading and editing of online and printed information.

Main subject areas: forklift trucks and related products (such as batteries); logistics; power generators; power tools; bearings; automotive paint; laboratory, scientific and industrial processing equipment; water treatment.

The John Knowles Company

June 2002 – September 2012

Copywriter and Account Executive – later Account Director

Principal role was in managing projects for a large multi-national forklift manufacturer. The job also included substantial work for other clients, ranging from engineering companies and trade associations to community groups.

Specific duties included:

Project planning and management, including estimating, budgeting and cost-tracking.

Supervision of work by suppliers and JKC staff, including web development and maintenance.

Research and writing, including press releases, advertisements, brochure texts, web content and event scripts.

Cornwall Wildlife Trust

December 1991 – June 2002

Education and Publicity Manager

Heading the Trust’s education and publicity team, comprising a small staff and many volunteers whose wide-ranging work covered media relations, publicity, publications, education services and educational/community project development.

Specific duties included:

Media relations: preparing and issuing news releases; handling media enquiries; giving TV and radio interviews; maintaining media contacts.

Publications: editing magazines; overseeing Trust website; writing texts for appeal letters, leaflets, information boards, external publications and educational packs.

Educational services: adult training courses and workshops; talks, guided walks and activity sessions for both adults and children; family event programmes; advice, supervision and management for community (including school) environmental projects.

Cornwall College

February 1999 – June 2002

Part-time Lecturer

I taught part of an HND course in wildlife and habitat management, one day a week, while working for Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

DairyLand

October 1988 – December 1991

Administrator

Responsible for the smooth running of a farm tourist attraction. Duties included educational, publicity and PR work.

Cornwall Wildlife Trust

May 1987 – September 1988

Volunteer Co-ordinator

Promoting, organising and supporting a range of voluntary activities. Leading a publicity team.

Education

1983 – 1986 MPhil for ecology research (status and ecology of great crested newt in Britain)

1978 – 1982 BSc Hons 2:1 in zoology at University of Dundee.

1971 – 1978 Secondary school (3 A-levels, 9 O-levels)

And my spare time interests are…

Nature conservation: a former Chair of Cornwall Wildlife Trust; member of Cornwall Reptile and Amphibian Group; event leader. Keen cyclist. MG enthusiast. Newcastle United supporter. Ballroom, Latin and rock-and-roll dance student.